In Loving Memory of Nigel Vaughn

In Loving Memory of Nigel Vaughn

The Fall River community was shaken by a tragic and deeply distressing incident that unfolded shortly after midnight on Linden Street, leaving one man deceased and two police officers injured. As the city grapples with the shock and sorrow of this event, many are pausing to reflect on the life lost and the profound ripple effects such moments leave behind.

Nigel Vaughn, 40, of Fall River, was pronounced deceased following an officer-involved shooting that occurred during a tense and rapidly escalating encounter with police officers. According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III, officers had responded to a 911 call reporting that a man was in possession of a firearm while seated in a vehicle outside a residence on Linden Street. When officers arrived, they encountered Nigel outside the address in a dark-colored SUV. Given the nature of the call, officers attempted to conduct a pat frisk for safety. What followed was a violent struggle, during which Nigel produced a firearm and began firing at officers, striking one officer in the elbow and another in the abdomen, though the second officer’s bullet-resistant vest prevented a life-threatening injury.

In the chaos of the moment, officers returned fire, and Nigel was struck. Despite the intensity of the situation, officers rendered aid at the scene, and Nigel was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. A modified Glock firearm equipped with an illegal aftermarket “switch,” capable of fully automatic fire, was recovered nearby.

This tragic encounter came after earlier interactions that evening, when officers had encountered Nigel at Knight’s Gas Station on Linden Street following reports of reckless driving and a possible altercation. He had been instructed to leave the private property after that incident, only for the night to end in devastating loss.

While the details of the incident are now part of an official investigation, the human side of this story remains deeply personal and painful. Nigel Vaughn was more than a name in a police report—he was a son, a family member, a friend, and a part of the Fall River community. His passing leaves behind unanswered questions, grief, and heartbreak for those who knew and loved him.

Moments like these remind us of the fragility of life and the far-reaching consequences of violence and fear. They underscore the need for compassion, understanding, and continued efforts toward safer communities—where lives are not lost in moments of chaos and conflict.

As Fall River mourns, we extend heartfelt condolences to Nigel Vaughn’s family and loved ones. May they find strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time, and may Nigel’s memory live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Rest in peace, Nigel Vaughn.